Few companies can function without broad and often complicated internal networks that enable them to communicate and store data. A big part of what makes pursuing a career as a network and computer systems administrator for STEM grads is the demand for professionals who can build and manage new, faster, and more secure on-site and mobile networks, as there is expected to be an enormous amount of growth in career opportunities in this profession over the next decade. What is the rate of expansion? Employment in network and computer systems administration are expected to rise by 40% by 2022, creating 96,600 new jobs, allowing persons trained in this sector to work in a variety of settings, including businesses, the medical industry, and even consulting because every industry is working on digital mode these days due to ongoing pandemic state.

Because they are generally responsible for constructing and installing computer systems, creating local or wide area networks and intranets, and performing day-to-day system maintenance, network and computer systems administrators need a diverse set of abilities. Individual computer users may receive assistance from network and computer systems administrators to overcome any issues that prevent them from connecting to the network. As a result, most people working in this profession may expect to earn a lot of money.

Education and Training

A bachelor's degree in an area related to computer or information science is required to start a career as a network and computer systems administrator, while degrees in computer engineering or electrical engineering can also lead to work in this profession. Students should check to see if their degree programme contains computer programming, networking, or systems design courses. An associate's degree in these subjects may also be enough to get a foot in the door for some lower-level professions.

To keep on top of the newest technology changes, network and computer systems administrators will need to continue their education throughout their careers. Some employers will require a master's degree in the industry to advance to a more prominent position or go into management, which can take an additional two years of training.

Skills to Develop

Building these fundamental abilities will aid a career in network and computer systems management.

Problem Solving: Anyone working in this business needs to be able to think quickly and solve problems on the go.

Communication skills: Working in this sector necessitates talking with people at all levels of an organisation and explaining complex concepts in a way that even a layperson can comprehend.

Computer Aptitude: Because the major responsibility of network and computer administrators is to design, monitor, and operate computer systems, a thorough understanding of how they work is required.

Analytical Ability: Network and computer administrators will frequently be required to solve difficulties or identify the optimum option for setting up networks and computer products, necessitating superior analytical abilities.

Career Advice from the Experts

Starting to pursue professional certifications from companies like Microsoft, Red Hat, and Cisco is one of the best things a young network and systems administrator can do for his or her career. Employers frequently demand these qualifications, but even if they aren't, they can be a valuable addition to a résumé. Joining professional organisations can help professionals keep up with technology changes, locate employment possibilities, network, and learn about what employers are looking for in applications, in addition to these qualifications.

Whether administrators pursue further credentials or enrol in classes, they must be able to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning when seeking for jobs. "It's vital to stay current with technology changes by reading blogs, technical journals, and attending conferences," says Simran Sandu, manager of network infrastructure at Adobe. Employers, on the other hand, prefer to hire people who can demonstrate a comprehensive foundational knowledge of the area, according to Sandu "It's also crucial to study and grasp the fundamentals of network technology, as well as to gain a thorough understanding of how data moves. Be able to identify and specify the roles of essential services such as DNS, DHCP, and firewalls in a network infrastructure."